Skip to main content
Rain icon
35º

Metro Detroit weather: First rain, then 5-8 inches of snow, ice possible

Winter storm warning starts at 3 p.m. Thursday

DETROITGood Thursday afternoon!

It really is amazing how our Pure Michigan weather takes so many twists and turns almost on a daily basis. And, we’re right back at it today.

We’re starting out rainy today. Although our flood watch from Wednesday expired, there is a flood advisory in place for St. Clair County through noon Friday, and a river flood warning in place for the Rouge River in Wayne County until further notice. Also, be cautious of flooded roadways throughout the region.

Believe it or not, we should get a break from the rain and snow early this afternoon, and then wet weather strikes again.

Snowy, icy afternoon

Temps will keep tumbling with a cold front blasting through SE Michigan, and that sets the stage for more trouble this afternoon: We’ll see snow, heavy snow at times, and a threat of freezing rain or ice. That is why the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Metro Detroit starting at 3 p.m. due to a possible 4-8 inches of snow and ice.

The best chance for ice is when our air temps hit freezing or colder, and moisture from the clouds is still coming down as rain. This is possible in spots along the I-94 corridor and into our South Zone, which will include Downtown Detroit between noon and 3 p.m.

wx

Our North Zone is under a winter weather advisory until noon today for some sleet, snow and rain. We all need to be on guard while traveling around our area today.

By 3 p.m., the snow will be coming down at a very good clip. Most of our area south of M-59 will get about 6 inches of snow through the afternoon and evening, with 7-9 inches of snow possible right in the heart of Metro Detroit. There will be parts of our West and North Zones that may only get a few inches total.

We often refer to this kind of snow as “heart attack snow” because it’s the wet, heavy snow that is difficult to shovel and harder on your body. Shovel in shifts, take breaks and listen to your body, because it’s a problem we see every winter, unfortunately.

LIVE UPDATES: Winter storm warning today in Metro Detroit: Track radar, forecasts

wx

Thursday’s sunset is at 6:08 p.m.

Friday: Snow tapers off

Snow showers will taper off overnight into Friday, but cold air will keep funneling in.

There will be ice and residual snow issues making travel slow and slick Friday morning. Our road crews will be doing their best to keep up with the snow, but it will be a tough task as we will still be snow covered early Friday.

We will actually get into some sunshine tomorrow with cooler air in place. We will have low teens Friday morning, with wind chills around Metro Detroit near or even below zero. Bundle up!

Friday sunshine mixed with some cloud cover will help highs get into the mid-20s. There will be a decent breeze blowing during the day and at night, so if you’re heading to the Winter Blast in Royal Oak, make sure you’ve got the winter arsenal of hats and gloves. They do have the warming stations, but it’s going to be a bright and chilly one tomorrow no matter what you are doing.

Sunnier weekend

We’ll see light snow and flurries Saturday morning, and then it will become partly sunny. Temps will be in the teens to upper 20s throughout the day.

Sunday will warm to near 40 degrees or even warmer, with tons of sunshine.

Next week preview

Monday is President’s Day, and it looks like it will be pretty tranquil with low 40s and mostly cloudy skies. We do need to watch out for the threat of some rain or freezing rain Tuesday morning. We will keep you posted on any weather threats coming next week.

As the weather keeps swinging, check out our FREE Local4Casters weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation. Just search your app store under WDIV and it’s right there available for both iPhones and Androids! Or click the appropriate link below.


Recommended Videos